The question of what hotel guests can take from their rooms upon departure is a common one, often sparking debate among travelers. While some items are intended as complimentary, others are not, and taking them can lead to unexpected charges.
Permitted Items
Single-use toiletries, such as miniature shampoo bottles, conditioner, and soap, are universally considered fair game. These are provided for guests' use during their stay and are designed to be replenished for each new arrival. Travel expert Melanie Fish notes that if an item is intended to be replaced for every guest, it is typically permissible to take it. This category also includes tea bags, coffee, and any accompanying biscuits or snacks. These provisions are restocked by housekeeping, ensuring future guests have access to them.
Hotels.com spokesperson Melanie Fish advises, "The rule of thumb is simple: if it's been put there to be replaced for each guest, think toiletries, tea bags, those lovely upgraded slippers, then it's yours to take." Anne Golden, a hotelier at Pan Pacific London, echoed this sentiment, stating, "It's surprising how much you can take. Take your welcome amenities, your dry amenities; if it's single-use, take it."
Items to Leave Behind
Items such as bathrobes, towels, pillows, and bed linens are not intended to be taken by guests. Bathrobes, often a symbol of luxury in hotel stays, are among the most frequently reported stolen items. These can be costly for hotels to replace, with branded robes sometimes costing up to £185. Melanie Fish explains, "If the next guest is expected to find it waiting for them, like towels, hangers, a hairdryer or that tempting bathrobe, it should stay put."
Similarly, towels are designed for repeated use and are noted when they go missing. Hotel managers across Europe have reported significant numbers of towels disappearing from properties. Even amenities like hairdryers, which may be of high quality, should remain in the room. While some are fixed to the wall, their intended location is within the hotel room. Other items, such as kettles, dishes, and remote controls, have also been reported missing, and these are not for guests to keep.
The Slippers Conundrum
Slippers present a more ambiguous case. While some hotels technically do not permit their removal, in more luxurious establishments, they may not be laundered and reused. In such instances, taking them might be acceptable. However, if in doubt, guests are advised to inquire with the hotel. Many hotels offer branded items for purchase, providing an opportunity to acquire a souvenir legitimately.
Why the Temptation?
According to a Hotels.com report, about one in four British travelers admit to taking items from hotel rooms. This behavior is sometimes attributed to the increasing quality of complimentary items, such as premium slippers and upscale vanity sets, which can blur the lines for guests. Clinical psychologist Kate Mason suggests that some guests feel they are simply getting their money's worth, particularly in expensive hotels. "A robe feels like part of the experience," Mason stated. "Taking it can feel more like keeping a souvenir than committing a crime." However, she also noted that the cumulative effect of such taken items can significantly impact hotels, particularly larger establishments.